This blog is dedicated to the pursuit of justice; achieving freedom and clearing the names of four Texas women wrongfully convicted of a crime that never occurred.

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Very Squishy Knowledge

Physics and mathematics are known as the pure sciences. The accepted "facts" of these disciplines can usually be verified by mathematical proof. If 2+2=4 then 4-2=2. It doesn't leave a lot of room for argument. The late Harvard University Paleontologist Steven Jay Gould referred to Biology and the Social Sciences as the "squishy" sciences. These disciplines do not provide clear mathematical proofs, but rely primarily on statistical probabilities to support their theories.

In courtroom trials of the "he said-she said" variety, there is often a complete lack of any meaningful physical or corroborating evidence. The jury must make a decision based primarily by weighing the perceived credibility of one person's word against another, and of course, the pomp and theatrical abilities of their respective lawyers. In child sexual abuse trials this is often the case. But the reality is that most juries find child witnesses to be highly credible, in spite of the fact that it has now been shown that children often lie on the witness stand, for a variety of reasons. Juries also convict not because there is innocence beyond a reasonable doubt, but because there is the possibility that the accused person might be guilty, and they don't want the responsibility of setting them free to abuse another child. This is a manifestation of the child sexual abuse hysteria that has become an integral part of our culture over the last quarter century. By reaching verdicts based on these fears, juries have sent untold innocents to prison for decades, or life.

In reviewing the sparse and often circumstantial evidence in these cases, one can never be absolutely certain of whether or not the alleged assault actually occurred. Anytime any adult is alone with a child there is the possibility that a sexual assault could have occurred. Eventually you have to come down on the side of guilt or innocence of the accused. That decision is based on epistemological knowledge. After reviewing all of the evidence we ask ourselves the question - does this accusation seem plausible and reasonable? That is as much an intuitive decision as it is a logical one. And therefore, it is a decision subject to the pitfalls of human fallibility, fear and ignorance.

I don't understand how you can write about people.With out checking up on it.Did you talk to the family in Colorado.That lie was made up by Rosemary.No one ever talked to Mr Limon.She was mad that she had lost in court.And yes she did go to court and lost.Second John does not have an older sister.I can go on .But i just want to know why you did not check before you wrote peoples names with out asking.

Darrell, mine is Pita I was in there with Liz for a while and she is the sweetest person as you know. She is so blessed to have met you and just want to tell you thank you for all that you are doing for my dear friend.

I do not even understand how I stopped up here, however I assumed this post was great.I do not recognize who you might be however certainly you're going to a famous blogger in case you are not already. Cheers!

Can't believe this "father" put his poor innocent daughters through the humiliating discomfort of having to go through those examinations for his selfish personal vendetta of not getting what he wanted. We women don't look forward in going to the gynecologist. But we have to for our health. Uncomfortable. But has to be done. Little girls should not have to spread for that for unnecessary reasons. God bless them from that monster. Good honest young women they have become to do the right thing and come forward and tell the truth and do the right thing.

Blog Background

In February 2006 I was researching female child molesters- specifically, the rare case of a woman offending against a pre-pubertal child. I discovered a Texas case involving 4 lesbians convicted of a multi-perpetrator aggravated sexual assault on a 7 and a 9-year-old girl. Nearly every aspect of those allegations ran counter-current to known characteristics of female sex offenders. The case simply made no sense, and had been almost completely ignored by the Texas media. The results of an extensive investigation intended to resolve these inconsistencies pointed to a clear conclusion - the crime never occurred. The convicted women are now serving long prison sentences. This blog is a forum for the website www.fourliveslost.com to present updates and discuss the case.

About Me

I live an independent and physically demanding life in the Yukon Territory with two-dozen sled dogs, and without running water or electricity - and do so quite intentionally.
Once upon a time I had embarked on a career as a research scientist, but became disillusioned and ran away to live in the woods. Now I teach at a local College, and spend much of my time reading and researching on a range of subjects. My lifestyle allows me to do what I enjoy most - to be out in the wilderness with my dogs, and to live in the world of ideas.
One of my interests is criminal justice and wrongful convictions. This project arose out of those pursuits.